OpenAI Faces Complaint Over ChatGPT Misinformation
Privacy activists filed a complaint against OpenAI’s chatbot maker, ChatGPT, for spreading false information about individuals and failing to correct it.
Key Facts
Vienna-based nonprofit noyb filed a data protection complaint with Austria’s data watchdog, accusing OpenAI of violating GDPR by not correcting false information spread by ChatGPT.
ChatGPT provided misleading information about a public figure’s birth date, and OpenAI failed to address this issue or disclose relevant data processing details.
OpenAI acknowledged AI hallucination issues but did not respond to Forbes’ request for comment on the complaint.
Crucial Quote
“Making up false information is quite problematic in itself. But when it comes to false information about individuals, there can be serious consequences,” – noyb lawyer, Maartje de Graaf.
News Peg
The complaint highlights the legal challenges facing OpenAI regarding AI hallucinations, data privacy issues, and previous clashes with European data protection laws.
What To Watch For
GDPR regulations could lead to significant changes for OpenAI, with fines of up to 4% of global turnover possible. Investigations may involve multiple EU countries and take years to resolve.
Key Background
Noyb has been instrumental in European data protection, bringing numerous cases and significant fines. Co-founder Max Schrems has challenged major data sharing deals affecting companies like Meta.
Forbes Valuation
Despite OpenAI’s challenges, co-founder Sam Altman’s wealth is not tied to the company. Altman’s investments in firms like Reddit and Stripe contribute to his estimated $1 billion net worth.
Further Reading
OpenAI is pursuing a new way to fight A.I. ‘hallucinations’ (CNBC)
OpenAI’s GPT Store Is Triggering Copyright Complaints (Wired)